Westerville South girls basketball team is gearing up for another exciting season after finishing last year with a 21–6 record. With a strong mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, the Wildcats are ready to make some noise in Ohio Capital Conference play this winter.

Head coach Jermaine Guice is leading the team once again and has focused on improving communication and consistency in the offseason. The players have met this challenge with great energy and effort at every practice.

Leading the way for South will be returning standouts like junior guard/forward Kaelyn Patterson, who has shown steady growth and versatility at the varsity level. Her scoring ability and leadership on and off the court will be key as the Wildcats look to keep building chemistry and momentum.

Conditioning has been a major focus for the team this preseason. Players have been running timed sprints, working through high-intensity drills, and sharpening their skills with plenty of ball-handling, shooting, and defensive work.

When asked about her goals for the year, Patterson said, “My hopes are to have a good time with my teammates and make it far in tournament time.” She added, “My goals are to work hard, win games, and try to get my name out there.”

Senior Ava Quint is also set for a comeback year after missing last season. “My hopes for this season are that I want our team to come together and go far in our season,” Quint said. “They beat us last year in the regional, and we are ready to come back and play [Big Walnut]. My biggest goal is going far in the tournament and just mainly going all out every game.” 

The Wildcats have their sights set on key matchups against rivals like Big Walnut, and they’re eager to make a statement early in the season. Senior student section leader Ava Parks said her “calendars are marked and [she’s] ready to cheer on our Lady Wildcats to victory after victory.”

With a strong returning core, promising newcomers, and a determined mindset, the Wildcats are ready to make this season one to remember. Fans can catch their first home game on Nov. 23 against Warrensville Heights High School, as South looks to start the year strong.